1 Chronicles 11:15

Verse

Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

American Standard Version (1901)

And three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

Bible in Basic English

And three of the thirty went down to David, to the rock, into the strong place of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines had taken up their position in the valley of Rephaim.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And three of the thirty captains went down to the rock, wherein David was, to the cave of Odollam, when the Philistines encamped in the valley of Raphaim.

Free Bible Version

Another time, the Three, who were part of the Thirty leading warriors, went down to meet David when he was at the cave of Adullam. The Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim.

Geneva Bible 1599

And three of the thirtie captaines went to a rocke to Dauid, into the caue of Adullam. And the armie of the Philistims camped in the valley of Rephaim.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

Translation for Translators

One time three of David’s thirty most mighty warriors came to David when he was camping next to the huge rock outside the cave near Adullam. At that same time, the army of Philistia had camped in the Rephaim Valley.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then three of the thirty leaders went down to the rock to David, to the cave of Adullam. The army of the Philistines was camped in the Valley of Rephaim.

Noah Webster Bible

Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

World English Bible

Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

Young's Literal Translation

And three of the thirty heads go down on the rock unto David, unto the cave of Adullam, and the host of the Philistines is encamping in the valley of Rephaim,

Context

David’s Mighty Men

¹⁴But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.¹⁵Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.¹⁶At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

Summary

This verse highlights the bravery and loyalty of three mighty warriors in David's army who risked their lives to fetch water from the well of Bethlehem, which was under Philistine control. Their act of valor demonstrated their unwavering commitment to David as their leader, even at great personal risk. This account showcases the deep bond of brotherhood and sacrifice among David's mighty men, setting an example of courage and devotion in the face of adversity. It also symbolizes the importance of meeting the needs of their leader, reflecting honor and respect for David's authority.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink . . . of the well of Beth-lehem--(See on Sa2 23:15). This chivalrous act evinces the enthusiastic devotion of David's men, that they were ready to gratify his smallest wish at the risk of their lives. It is probable that, when uttering the wish, David had no recollection of the military posted at Beth-lehem. It is generally taken for granted that those who fought a way to the well of Beth-lehem were the three champions just mentioned [see on Ch1 11:13]. But this is far from being clear. On the contrary, it would seem that three different heroes are referred to, for Abishai (Ch1 11:20) was one of them. The camp of the Philistines was in the valley of Rephaim (Ch1 11:15), which lay on the west of Jerusalem, but an outpost was stationed at Beth-lehem (Ch1 11:16), and through this garrison they had to force a passage.